"The program is designed to inspire and comfort people during the Advent season and allow a sense of wonder and joy to enter their lives,” said Professor Judith Willoughby, associate director of choral activities and the Wanda L. Bass Choral Chair.

An organ and orchestral prelude begins at 7:30 p.m. The main program begins at 8 p.m. in Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. Music to be performed includes carol arrangements from France and Russia, and excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, the oratorio"St. Paul" by Mendelssohn, Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium"and Tavener's "The Lamb."

“This program blends familiar carols for the audience with scripture, poetry and some of the greatest seasonal music of all time,” said Dr. Randi Von Ellefson, director of choral activities at OCU’s Bass School of Music. “There are moments of grandeur and power as well as contemplative interludes of sheer beauty and quiet.”

The concert will feature Dr. Melissa Plamann, university organist, as well as the OCU Symphony Orchestra and four OCU vocal ensembles: the 52-member University Singers, Ad Astra, the 82-voice women’s choir; the 50-member University Men’s Chorus; and the 36 singers of Chamber Choir.